If your company is like most, you conduct background checks on your employees before hiring them. And depending on federal, state, and local laws, performing these checks might be a requirement. Rather than doing it yourself, it’s often advantageous and convenient to work with a third-party screening partner like Metrodata Services.

Here are __ questions to ask your background screening partner to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth:

What’s included in the background checks you provide?

Not all background checks are created equal. You may be unaware that there are a wide variety of types of background checks, and the term “background check” usually refers to a combination of different screenings that use multiple databases and resources. There are identity verifications, criminal background checks, credit report checks, employment and education verifications, and much more. When you utilize the services of a background screening partner, make sure you’re fully aware what kind of checks will be run and what information they’ll include.

What’s the turnaround time?

You’ve got a business to run. You can’t spend weeks waiting on a background check to come back before hiring someone. That’s why it’s a good idea to inquire about your screening partner’s turnaround times. Most background checks should come back in three days or less, but be sure to get specifics. And remember to ask how these results are achieved. If every background check you’re getting back is instant, it’s possible that the results aren’t vetted properly. You’ll want to ensure that the company is using the right processes and tools to conduct accurate checks.

Are your background checks compliant?

There’s no point in running background checks that run afoul of state or federal background screening regulations. That can land your company in hot water. That’s why partnering with a compliant background check company is paramount.

Your background screening partner should be a member of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) and be compliant with these regulations:

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
• State and local regulations on background checks
• “Ban the box” laws – state laws that regulate whether or not criminal charges show up on background checks
• Industry-specific regulations – regulations regarding background checks conducted in specific industries like healthcare

Do you have global capabilities?

International background screenings are sometimes required, especially if your candidate has lived, worked, or studied in another country. Or, you might be hiring someone in another country. In these cases, your background screening partner needs to have international capabilities, which is often more complex and time-consuming than standard background checks using federal and state-level databases.

What is your customer service like?

No matter how good a screening partner is, it’s no fun working with them if they’re not reachable. It’s likely that you’re going to need to talk one-on-one with your screening partner at some point or another, whether it’s because you have a question or you’re requesting more screenings. The best background check partners have great customer service built into their business models – they should be able to respond quickly and with accurate information whenever you need it.

What’s the cost breakdown?

Different screening companies take a different approach to cost. Many have a tiered screening system, with a low cost-per-report at the basic level that increases with more types of records included in the screening. Be sure to find out about any additional fees for specific checks, like court records, employment verification, or drug screenings, as well as set-up fees and other charges. It’s also possible that your screening partner offers certain discounts – a bulk discount when you order multiple background checks at once is common.

How do you make the screening process easier?

At the end of the day, you’re partnering with a screening provider to make your life easier, to save yourself the hassle of navigating regulations and requirements related to background checks. Ask your screening partner how they will make the process easier – is it through bulk background check ordering? Automated forms? Quick turnaround time? Assistance with drug screening? You’ll want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth by streamlining and simplifying the process.

Metrodata Services: Your Trusted Screening Partner

Here at Metrodata Services, we make it our mission to be your compliant, professional, and accurate background screening partner. We’re accredited by the PBSA and can meet your background check needs no matter the scope or size. Reach out to us online or give us a call to learn more about our services and how we can help your company’s background check process.